Why visit
Gabon keeps almost 90 percent of its land under forest and made 13 national parks in one stroke in 2002. Loango is the famous one: forest elephants and buffalo walking ocean beaches, plus surfing hippos in the right season.
Country - Africa
Gabon
culturenatureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Gabon works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Libreville as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Gabon.
At a glance
Location
-1.0°, 11.8°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
267,668 km²
103,347 mi²
Subregion
Middle Africa
Currency
Central African CFA franc (Fr)
XAF
Dial
+241
Language
French
Demonym
Gabonese
Internet
.ga
UN
Member state
ISO code
GA / GAB
Where in the world
-1.0° - 11.8°
Gabon
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Gabon has set aside about 11% of its land as national parks, one of the highest conservation ratios on earth.
- Loango National Park is famous for hippos and elephants that venture onto the beach.
- Libreville ("free town") was named for freed slaves who settled there in 1849.
Bordering Gabon
Traveler notes
- Loango's beach-walking elephants are a singular wildlife image
- Lopé National Park mixes savanna and rainforest with mandrill mega-troops
- Logistics run through specialist operators; spontaneity is expensive
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Libreville, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Gabon
What is the capital of Gabon?
Libreville is the capital of Gabon.
What currency does Gabon use?
Gabon uses the Central African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XAF.
What languages are spoken in Gabon?
The primary language is French.
Is Gabon landlocked?
No, Gabon has a coastline.
What countries border Gabon?
Gabon borders Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea.
What is the international calling code for Gabon?
The calling code is +241.
When is the best time to visit Gabon?
Jun–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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